Maqueen Plus V3 (AA Battery)

The Maqueen Plus V3 is a powerful programmable robot designed for STEM education and robotics competitions. Compatible with the micro:bit, it features a laser ranging sensor, motor encoders with PID control, and built-in line-tracking and intersection algorithms for precise, intelligent movement.

The Maqueen Plus V3 is an advanced programmable educational robot, often powered by a micro:bit controller, engineered to revolutionize STEM robot education and robotics competitions for primary and secondary school students.

As a versatile coding robot, the Maqueen Plus V3 integrates a sophisticated suite of sensors and control mechanisms. It leverages a powerful matrix laser ranging sensor for environmental perception, high-precision motor encoders with PID control for accurate movement, and built-in algorithms for complex tasks such as line-tracking and intersection recognition. These capabilities enable dynamic and intricate applications, making it an ideal platform for student robotics and hands-on STEM learning.

This model accepts 4x AA batteries. We also stock a version which uses a single 18650 battery.

Batteries and micro:bit not included.

Features

• Precision Navigation with Matrix Laser Ranging
  • The Maqueen Plus V3 features a cutting-edge matrix laser ranging sensor, a significant leap from standard ultrasonic sensors. This provides superior accuracy (e.g., ±11mm for white targets at 20-200mm) and rapid response (up to 60Hz in 4×4 mode) over a 60-degree field of view. This enables the robot to not only detect distances but also pinpoint obstacle positions, facilitating intelligent route planning and sophisticated obstacle avoidance for advanced autonomous movement.
• Simplified Advanced Tasks with Built-in Algorithms
  • Mastering line-tracking and intersection navigation is streamlined with algorithms integrated directly into the robot’s core. The onboard line-tracking significantly lowers the entry barrier to this fundamental skill, allowing students to focus on higher-level strategies. Furthermore, the innovative built-in intersection recognition identifies various junction types (crossroads, T-junctions, etc.) in real time, enabling the creation of complex map-based challenges and enriching competition diversity. These functions operate independently, freeing the main controller for other tasks.
• Accurate Movement with Motor Encoders & PID Control
  • Unlike many educational robots lacking precise motion capabilities, the Maqueen Plus V3 incorporates high-precision motor encoders with PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control. This allows for exact control over travel distance and steering angles without cumbersome trial-and-error debugging. Expect reliable and repeatable performance in tasks demanding accurate navigation, a crucial advantage in both educational settings and competitive arenas.
• Enhanced Light Interaction
  • Enhanced interaction comes from dual light intensity sensors for applications like light-seeking or automatic headlights, complemented by vibrant, programmable RGB headlights and ambient lights that spark creativity and make learning more engaging.
• Detachable Metal Motor Components
  • The Maqueen Plus V3 is equipped with finely parameter-matched metal motors, selected after rigorous testing and verification of over 30 motor samples to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and speed, resulting in smooth rotation without stalling. The motors are holistically protected to minimize the risk of debris entering and damaging the gearbox. Recognizing the frequent use and potential wear (e.g., brush wear, damage from accidental drops or squeezing) in advanced teaching and competitions, the robot features a detachable motor design. This allows for quick replacement of damaged motors, preventing disruptions to educational activities and competitions.
  • A dedicated voltage-stabilizing chip for the motors ensures consistent running speed, unaffected by battery voltage decline, allowing programs to run reliably without parameter modifications.

Specifications

• Power Supply
  • 4x AA batteries
• Onboard Sensors & Perception
  • Line-Tracking System:
    • Sensors: 5
    • Calibration: Dedicated button
    • Output: Digital / Analogue
    • Built-in Intersection Recognition: 4 types (Crossroad, T-shaped, Right turn & Straight, Left turn & Straight)
    • Built-in Algorithm Speed: 5 adjustable levels
• Matrix Laser Ranging Sensor:
  • Interface: I2C / UART / USB (PH2.0-4P & TYPE-C)
  • Matrix Resolution: 8×8 (64 points)
  • Modes: Matrix measurement / Intelligent obstacle avoidance
  • I2C Address: 4 selectable (0x30 – 0x33)
  • Ranging Update Rate: 15Hz – 60Hz
  • Ranging Range: 20mm – 4000mm
  • Accuracy (20-200mm): ±11mm (white targets), ±12mm (gray targets)
  • Accuracy (200-4000mm): ±5% (white targets), ±6% (gray targets)
  • Detection Angle: 60° H x 60° V (90° Diagonal)
  • Laser Safety: Class 1 compliant
  • Firmware Update: Supported via USB
• Light Sensors:
  • Quantity: 2
  • Data Range: 0–1023
• Infrared Receiver: 1
• Motors & Motion Control
  • Motors: 2x N20 Metal Motors
    • Interface: PH2.0 – 2P
    • Power Supply: Independent 5V regulated
    • Mounting: Screw-fixed, detachable
  • Encoders & PID Control:
    • Encoders: 2 (Magnetic induction, 4-line resolution)
    • PID Control: For precise distance and angle control
    • Speed Measurement Unit: Centimetres per minute (Note: Consider ‘cm/s’ for more conventional robotics speed representation)
• Lighting & Audio Indication:
  • RGB LEDs:
    • Ambient Lights: 4x WS2812 (Full R255 G255 B255 colour spectrum)
    • Car Headlights: 2x Programmable RGB (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, Purple, Cyan, White)
    • Buzzer: 1
• Mechanical, Expansion & Other Features:
  • Mounting & Adjustment:
    • Metal Bracket Parts: 2
    • Bracket Adjustment: 1-axis, 270° range (M3 thumb screws)
    • PCB Threaded Interfaces: 2
  • Expansion: 14x Extended GPIOs
  • Protection: Bottom acrylic protection plate
  • Firmware Upgrade: Dedicated interface and button

Resources

• Wiki
• Beginner’s Guide 

Package Contents

• 1x Maqueen Plus V3 Baseboard 
• 2x Metal Motor with Encoder and Connection Cable (already installed on the baseboard) 
• 1x AA Battery Board 
• 1x Matrix Laser Ranging Sensor 
• 1x PH2.0 – 4P Sensor Connection Cable 
• 2x Wheels 
• 1x Line-Tracking Map 
• 1x Screwdriver 
• 1x Metal Support Frame 
• 1x Metal Mounting Bracket 
• 5x 35mm Mounting Copper Pillars 
• 5x M3 Mounting Screws 
• 4x M3 Thumb Screws 

Batteries and micro:bit not included.